Melissa: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are celebrations honoring a patron saint associated with a particular name, observed in many cultures, particularly in Europe and some parts of the Americas. Melissa, a name with ancient origins, is associated with sweetness and industriousness, stemming from its Greek roots. The name projects a warm and gentle mood, often perceived as friendly and approachable. Melissa has several name days depending on the region, including March 16th in the USA.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Melissa's name day is celebrated
on March 16 in the USA,
May 5 in Finland,
July 13 in Norway,
September 15 in Austria and
September 21 in France (
Mélissa).
Melissa’s Popularity and Global Reach
Melissa experienced a surge in popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, peaking in the 1980s and 90s, but has since become less common. It remains a well-recognized name across the USA, often associated with a friendly and approachable persona. Globally, Melissa is popular in various European countries, including Greece, Italy, and Spain, as well as in parts of Latin America. The name’s prevalence often reflects cultural connections to the Mediterranean region. While its peak popularity has passed, Melissa continues to be a cherished name for girls in many parts of the world. It evokes a sense of warmth and classic beauty.
Melissa’s Ancient Roots and Evolution
The name Melissa is believed to have evolved from the Greek word 'melissa,' which refers to the honeybee. In ancient Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who nourished Zeus with honey. This association with honey and bees contributed to the name’s early positive connotations, symbolizing sweetness and industriousness. Over time, the name transitioned from mythological reference to a common given name, particularly within Greek-speaking communities. Its adoption into other languages and cultures further solidified its place as a beloved and recognizable name.
Melissa’s Predominantly Feminine Identity
Melissa is overwhelmingly a feminine name worldwide. While extremely rare instances of its use for males might exist, it is almost universally given to girls. In English-speaking countries, and across most of Europe and Latin America, Melissa is firmly established as a female name. This strong gender association is deeply rooted in its historical and cultural context. There are no significant regional variations where Melissa is commonly used for males.
Melissa’s Warm and Gentle Character
Melissa carries a warm, gentle, and approachable vibe. It evokes a sense of sweetness and kindness, reminiscent of its connection to honeybees. The name feels classic yet not overly formal, suggesting a friendly and down-to-earth personality. There’s a subtle elegance to Melissa, hinting at grace and sophistication. Overall, it projects a positive and comforting aura, making it a name that feels both familiar and inviting.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Melissa
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 6 – The Nurturer.
Keywords: Responsibility, family, love, service, harmony, compassion.
Positive Traits: Caring, nurturing, protective, supportive, artistic.
Challenges: Can be overbearing, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
Life Path Meaning: A role centered around caregiving, relationships, and artistic pursuits.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 2 - The Diplomat
Traits: Cooperative, intuitive, emotional, peacemaker.
Strengths: Great mediator, sensitive, nurturing, works well in partnerships.
Challenges: Can be indecisive, overly dependent on others, or overly sensitive.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Venus - Love, Beauty, Harmony.
Venus rules love, beauty, and relationships, making names influenced by this planet exude charm, grace, and artistic sensibilities. Those with Venus-ruled names are often aesthetically inclined, diplomatic, and naturally attractive in their demeanor. They appreciate harmony in their surroundings and relationships, often seeking balance and fairness in all aspects of life.
Name days: Name Melissa
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 USA | March | 16 | Bailee, Bailey, Baylee, Bayley, Melisa, Melissa, Melita, Melyta, Millicent, Millie, Missy |
 Finland | May | 5 | Maini, Melina, Melissa |
 Norway | July | 13 | Melissa, Mia, Mildrid |
 Austria | September | 15 | Dolores, Melissa, Melitta |
 France | September | 21 | Déborah, Jonas, Matthieu, Mélissa |
Melissa’s Enduring Legacy and Charm
In conclusion, Melissa is a name steeped in history and cultural significance, originating from ancient Greek mythology and evolving into a beloved given name. Its overwhelmingly feminine identity and warm, approachable mood contribute to its enduring appeal. While its peak popularity may have passed, Melissa remains a classic and cherished choice for girls worldwide. The various name days associated with Melissa add a layer of cultural richness to this beautiful name.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
